The big-hitting right-hander, who played with the Adelaide Strikers last term and has also represented the Melbourne Renegades, averages over 30 in his 107 T20 matches, at a strike rate of 140.34.

Hales has played 32 Twenty20 games for his country, and in March this year became the first Englishman to post an international T20 hundred when he smashed an unbeaten 116 from 64 balls at the World Twenty20 against eventual champions Sri Lanka in Chittagong.

Hurricanes coach Damien Wright was thrilled to have added the 25-year-old to the 2014 finalists' ranks.

"Alex is a fantastic addition to our squad for this season and our members and supporters will no doubt be thrilled to see him put on the purple this season," Wright said on www.hobarthurricanes.com.au.

Hales was equally glowing about his new coach, saying: "Damien has an excellent reputation as a coach and I am excited to be playing for one of the strongest teams in the Big Bash League.

"Hopefully I can contribute to the team going all the way this year after making the final last season."